The Sokoto State Ministry for Women and Children Affairs says no fewer than 500 cases of Gender Based Violence GBV have been recorded across the 23 local government areas.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kulu Nuhu, stated this at opening ceremony of a four-day media dialogue on Ethical Reporting and Advocacy to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls in Sokoto State.
Technical working groups
Nuhu while briefing participants on the commitment of Government towards eliminating the menace said Technical Working Groups were inaugurated to assist in reporting cases of different abuses in the State.
She explained that the state government had also trained relevant stakeholders on how to take the campaign against the menace to the grassroots communities.
Empowerment training
According to Nuhu, over 160 survivors are currently undergoing economic empowerment training in the State and at the end government will assist them with starter packs to enable them become self reliant.
She said two laws are before the State Assembly waiting for passage and if passed in to law, will pave way for prosecuting perpetuators accordingly.
Media support
The Acting Permanent Secretary attributed some of the successes recorded in the fight against GBV to media support and urged them to continue to do more as the fight was a collective responsibility of all.
She commended Spotlight Initiative for organizing the meeting which she added that will promote fight against the menace in Sokoto.
In his remarks, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Sokoto, Mohameden Fall, said Spotlight Initiative, an EU-UN funded program organised the media engagement considering their role in reducing Gender Based Violence among women and girls in societies.
He said the media was committed to promoting the well-being of women and girls through effective sensitization in Sokoto State and the country.
“The importance of the media institutions in the development of any society or community cannot be neglected.
“You are the guarantors of the moral and ethical values of this society.
“For this purpose, no initiative dealing with well-being and benavioral change can be without your support,” Fall said.
He explained that the rate of violence against women and children, mainly girls, was in the increase. However, collective efforts need to be put together and fight the menace.
According to him, a national study on violence against children has revealed that before the age of 18, six out of 10 children were victims of some form of violence.
Fall said fighting violence against the most vulnerable groups requires collective effort which is impossible to achieve without the Support of media institutions.
“You play a vital role in ensuring that social norms and practices that are harmful to women and children are eradicated or reduced to a minimum.
“The United Nations initiative in the spotlight is pleased to work with you to end this threat of violence against women and children,” he added.
He said Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria and Sokoto was aimed to support a Nigeria where all women and girls are free from violence and harmful practices.
Quality service to victims and survivors
The Field Officer however revealed that United Nations would focus on addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls and ensure access to inclusive, timely and quality services for victims and survivors.
Also in his remarks, the representative of National Orientation Agency, Murtala Isah, said the agency had been doing a lot especially in the area of sensitization.
He expressed satisfaction on the achievement so far recorded in the fight against Gender Based Violence in Sokoto State.
He assured his agency’s continued support and cooperation to all relevant stakeholders towards eradicating the menace.
Nneka Ukachukwu
